Melbourne City defender Manny Muscat says Saturday’s dominant 5-1 win over Wellington Phoenix is a sign of his side’s ability to deal with end-of-season expectations.
City were without a win in three matches ahead of their second trip to New Zealand but produced one of their finest displays of the season in swatting aside the hosts.
REPORT: City crush Phoenix to revive top four hopes
Tipped by many as pre-season favourites, last year’s beaten semi-finalists remain in a fight for a home final with seven rounds remaining.
“Melbourne City is a big club. We strive to the be the best we can,” Muscat told Sky Sport NZ.
“Last week we were 2-0 down and we showed a bit of spirit and got the draw.
“We played some good football today and hopefully we can carry it on into next week and the following weeks coming into finals.
“Pressure-wise, we’ll take it when it comes.”
Muscat’s return to Westpac Stadium might have turned sour had Kosta Barbarouses punished the 32-year-old for giving away an early penalty, but City made the reprieve count to momentarily move third.
“It’s always hard to come back to your old stomping ground but today was all about Melbourne City,” the former Phoenix defender said.
“We came here with a job to do. To get the three points and the way we did it, credit to the boys.”
